Insa Backhaus, Nico Dragano, Cristina Di Tecco, Sergio Iavicoli, Hanno Hoven
{"title":"Trends in negative interpersonal relationships at work and awareness of occupational safety and health services: a 2014-2019 trend analysis.","authors":"Insa Backhaus, Nico Dragano, Cristina Di Tecco, Sergio Iavicoli, Hanno Hoven","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae043","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>A good psychosocial climate at work, including positive interpersonal relationships, is a protective factor for health, whereas social conflict imposes a considerable health risk. Occupational safety and health (OSH) services can help create a positive working environment. In the present study, we analyzed trends in the awareness of OSH services and interpersonal relationships and whether these are linked.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used time series data from the Italian Survey on Health and Safety at Work (INSuLa) from 2014 and 2019 (n = 16 000 employees). Negative interpersonal relationships included workplace bullying and lack of workplace support. The availability of OSH services was measured through items inquiring about the awareness of OSH representatives and OSH training. We used Poisson regression in reporting prevalence ratios and provided predicted probabilities and average marginal effects to show trends and differences in interpersonal relationships and OSH availability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings suggest that negative interpersonal relationships at work increased, whereas awareness about OSH services declined between 2014 and 2019. These trends were particularly strong for young workers, for whom workplace bullying increased by 6.3% and awareness of OSH training declined by 11.7%. We also found that unawareness about OSH services is associated with negative interpersonal relationships at work.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results suggest that low OSH awareness may be an increasing problem, whereas exposure to an adverse social climate at work became more frequent at the same time. Given the role of OSH services in ensuring a positive working climate, it is important to increase workers' awareness about OSH services.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11372296/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141916960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association between marginal part-time work and depressive symptoms: results from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey and the European Working Conditions Telephone Survey.","authors":"Munyoung Yang, Min Choi, Mo-Yeol Kang","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae046","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Marginal part-time workers, working less than 15 hours per week, are a vulnerable working population. We investigated the association between marginal part-time work and depressive symptoms in Korea and European countries to suggest policy implications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) from 2020 to 2021 and European Working Conditions Telephone Survey (EWCTS) in 2021. For the KWCS, 31 789 participants were included in the analysis, and for the EWCTS, 59 070 participants were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index (WBI-5). A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between marginal part-time work and depressive symptoms with KWCS and EWCTS data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Korea, there was a statistically significant association between depressive symptoms and marginal part-time work. On the other hand, in European countries, the association was not remarkable. Low income and employment instability partially mediated the relationship between marginal part-time work and depressive symptoms in Korea. Conclusions. Korean marginal part-time workers face systemic discrimination related to job insecurity and financial rewards, which appear to contribute to depressive symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11472748/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142073059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Are there compensatory behaviors in response to a sit-stand desk intervention?","authors":"Hélio Silva, Sabrina C Teno, Pedro B Júdice","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae067","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Office workers represent one of the most sedentary groups. Alarmingly, more than one-third of their sitting time during workdays occurs in prolonged bouts. Sit-stand desk (SSD) interventions have been found to be effective in reducing sitting time, but heterogeneity exists amongst studies, which may be due to compensations outside the workplace. This study aimed to assess the impact of a 6-month SSD intervention on office workers' sitting and standing times during the work shift and outside work (leisure time).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 2-arm (1:1) clustered randomized controlled trial was conducted with 38 participants randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention included a psychoeducational session, motivational prompts, and environmental modification (SSD implemented in the workplace). The waiting-list control group maintained the usual work conditions and only received the initial session. We employed repeated measures analysis of covariance to compare changes between groups while adjusting for relevant covariates, with significance set at 5%.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the intervention group, there was a significant reduction in sitting time at work by 32.97 minutes, along with a notable increase in standing time by 27.88 minutes (P < .05). Although nonsignificant (P > .05), there was an increase in sitting time in the leisure context of about 23.07 minutes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study underscores the effectiveness of SSD as a key strategy to mitigate sitting time among office workers. However, future interventions should consider integrating comprehensive behavioral strategies beyond the workplace to sustain potential increases in sitting time during leisure time and avoid compensatory behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11635982/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142546046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yu Igarashi, Seiichiro Tateishi, Arisa Harada, Ayako Hino, Mayumi Tsuji, Hajime Ando, Shinya Matsuda, Yoshihisa Fujino, Koji Mori
{"title":"Association of workplace stressors prior to infection and the development of Long COVID among workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study in Japan.","authors":"Yu Igarashi, Seiichiro Tateishi, Arisa Harada, Ayako Hino, Mayumi Tsuji, Hajime Ando, Shinya Matsuda, Yoshihisa Fujino, Koji Mori","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae062","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Long COVID is a global health concern. Although various risk factors are known, the link between workplace factors and Long COVID is underexplored. We conducted a cohort study to examine the impact of preinfection workplace stressors on Long COVID among Japanese workers, with the aim of improving understanding of its disease process and inform workplace management.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective cohort study used online survey data collected in December 2020 and December 2022 from 1539 participants with no initial infection history but later reported COVID-19. Workplace stressors were assessed at baseline using the Job Content Questionnaire, which measured job demands, job control, and social support. At the follow-up survey, COVID-19 infection was determined by self-reported positive SARS-CoV-2 test by polymerase chain reaction or antigen, and development of Long COVID was defined as symptoms persisting for over 2 months. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses estimated odds ratios (ORs) for the association between workplace stressors and the development of Long COVID.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the participants, 248 reported Long COVID. Univariate analysis showed that both high job demands (OR: 1.55; 95% CI, 1.09-2.20) and poor job control (OR: 1.50; 95% CI, 1.04-2.18) increased the odds. Poor supervisor support (OR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.16-2.58) and co-worker support (OR: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.13-2.23) were also significant. On multivariate analysis, job demands remained significantly associated with Long COVID.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings indicate that preinfection workplace stressors may contribute to Long COVID development in workers. Managing workplace stressors effectively could be a preventive measure.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11662441/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142751107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Frailty is a risk factor for occupational falls among older workers: an internet-based prospective cohort study.","authors":"Ryutaro Matsugaki, Yoshihisa Fujino, Masayoshi Zaitsu, Satoru Saeki, Shinya Matsuda, Akira Ogami","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae065","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Occupational falls are a significant concern among older workers. Although recent cross-sectional studies have indicated a potential association between frailty and occupational falls among older workers, the causal relationship remains unclear. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate whether frailty is a risk factor for occupational falls among older workers using a longitudinal design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was an internet-based prospective cohort study. A total of 5000 older workers (aged 60-75 years) were recruited, with 2873 participants meeting the inclusion criteria for the follow-up survey. Frailty was assessed using a frailty screening index based on the Fried phenotype model. Occupational falls were defined as those that occurred during the follow-up period.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the participants, 13.9% were frail. The incidence of occupational falls was higher in the frailty group (11.6%) than in the nonfrailty group (4.9%). In the multivariate-adjusted model, frailty was significantly associated with occupational falls (relative risk: 2.10; 95% CI, 1.51-2.94).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Frailty is a significant risk factor for occupational falls among older workers. Employers should consider implementing health-management strategies that focus on frailty to prevent occupational falls in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11635635/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142522182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Influence of chronotype on sleep quality and menstrual regularity in nurses on monthly shift rotations.","authors":"Yu-Xuan Peng, Wen-Pei Chang","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae058","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate factors that influence the sleep quality and menstrual cycles of female rotating-shift nurses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 213 female rotating-shift nurses between the ages of 20 and 45 were recruited from a medical center in Taiwan from November 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed with regard to sleep quality or menstrual cycle.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Female rotating-shift nurses who perceived a higher level of stress (P < .001), were late chronotypes (P = .020), or were working the night shift (P = .006) were more likely to have poor sleep quality. Late-type nurses working the day shift were more likely to have poor sleep quality than were early- and intermediate-type nurses (P < .001). With regard to menstrual cycles, female rotating-shift nurses who perceived a higher level of stress (P = .008), were working the night shift (P < .001), or had poor sleep quality (P = .001) were more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles. Late-type nurses working the day shift were more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles than were early- and intermediate-type nurses (P = .013).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A higher likelihood of poor sleep quality was found in female rotating-shift nurses when they perceived high levels of stress, and the interactions between chronotype and shift type could influence sleep quality. Shift type and the interactions between chronotype and shift type could also influence menstrual regularity.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11472744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142289568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Correction to: Stress experienced by dental students performing clinical training in different dental disciplines: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae022","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae022","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11131962/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140912565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reducing exposure levels of immersion washing workers to ortho-phthalaldehyde by improving exhaust systems.","authors":"Shinobu Yamamoto, Yuriko Hachiya, Motohide Goto, Akito Takeuchi, Toru Ishidao, Hajime Hori, Hiroyuki Miyauchi","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae033","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommends a threshold limit value-ceiling (TLV-C) of 0.1 ppb for occupational exposure to ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) used in washing endoscope probes. To adhere to this extremely low exposure limit, this case study aimed to reduce OPA exposure concentrations of workers during immersion washing of an endoscope probe body. This was achieved by attaching a new duct and hood to the existing ceiling exhaust system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The type of hood was determined by calculating and comparing the capture velocity obtained by assuming either an exterior or an enclosing hood. Additionally, the effect on improving the working environment was tested before and after the installation of the hood by measuring the OPA vapor concentration.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The calculated capture velocities of the exterior and enclosing hoods were 0.05 m/s and 0.19 m/s, respectively. Considering the operability, the exterior hood was more appropriate; however, the calculated capture velocity indicated potential inadequacy in meeting the TLV-C requirement, leading to the adoption of the enclosing hood. The OPA vapor concentration in ceiling value measurements taken after the enclosing hood was fitted was reduced to 0.2 ppb, that is, 1/10 of the original concentration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although the environmental concentration after the improvement still exceeded the TLV-C of 0.1 ppb, this study's findings indicate that even substances with extremely low occupational exposure limits can be managed with appropriate local exhaust ventilation.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11360290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141580029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ming Yang, Ling Zhang, Ying Jiang, Peng Liu, Wanli Liu, Xiaoxia Cao, Qin Luo, Cangmei Fu, Lianxiang He
{"title":"An adapted white-coat and warm-heart intervention on nurses' knowledge, general stigmatizing attitudes, and work avoidance behaviors towards HIV: a quasi-experimental study.","authors":"Ming Yang, Ling Zhang, Ying Jiang, Peng Liu, Wanli Liu, Xiaoxia Cao, Qin Luo, Cangmei Fu, Lianxiang He","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae041","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the effect of an adapted white-coat and warm-heart intervention (AWWI) among nurses.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>HIV discrimination among medical staff hinders progress in HIV prevention.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 779 nurses were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was provided with AWWI training. The control group did not receive AWWI training. HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of participants were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants in the intervention group had better HIV-related knowledge and less stigmatizing attitudes and work avoidance behavior levels than participants in the control group after the 1-, 3-, and 6-month interventions (P < .05). The main effects of group and time factors were highly significant in the intervention group. There were significant interaction effects in group and time factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>AWWI effectively improved the level of HIV-related knowledge and reduced general stigmatizing attitudes and work avoidance behaviors among nurses based on self-reported data in a tertiary hospital in China during a 6-month period.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11360590/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141748369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Akiko Fujishima, Eri Maeda, Koki Sato, Hidekazu Saito, Chihiro Ozeki, Yukihiro Terada
{"title":"Feasibility and effectiveness of preconception check-ups at workplaces in Japan.","authors":"Akiko Fujishima, Eri Maeda, Koki Sato, Hidekazu Saito, Chihiro Ozeki, Yukihiro Terada","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae021","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiae021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Despite the recent increase in infertility and perinatal complications, preconception care is not commonly available in Japan. Working women are considered to have the greatest need for preconception care, as increasingly they marry and have children later in life. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of preconception check-ups in the workplace.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We provided 51 female employees aged 18-39 years with free preconception check-ups, including additional blood tests and an online medical questionnaire, during mandatory health check-ups at their workplace. A doctor provided online counseling based on the check-up results. We assessed fertility knowledge using the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS-J) and childbearing desire pre- and postintervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preconception check-ups revealed various potential risk factors for future pregnancies, including underweight (12%), obesity (20%), Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody positivity (22%), low rubella IgG antibody levels (47%), iron deficiency (12%), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <30 ng/mL (98%). Postintervention, the participants reported high satisfaction with the check-ups and significantly advanced their reproductive plans (P = .008). Furthermore, 95% of the participants indicated an intention to seek medical attention or make lifestyle changes. The postintervention CFKS-J score (mean [SD]) was higher than the preintervention score (71.7 [19.3] vs 63.0 [22.0]; P = .006).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We developed a preconception check-up package that can be integrated into workplace health examinations, complemented by tailored counseling. This novel check-up package is a feasible and effective approach for improving preconception health and fertility awareness.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11255479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140848969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}